In Level III, we began this pondering of Psalm 23 by distributing and ordering the phrases which make up the Scripture passage, a task the children accomplished quite quickly! Next, we read a set of verses and then the children were invited to think about a material that they associate with that portion of the Psalm. When they had identified a material, they gave a brief explanation of that association and then brought something to the mat to represent the moment of liturgy or passage of Scripture they had been thinking of. It didn't take long for the mats to be filled with materials from the Atrium!
Mat 1: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Mat 2: Even though I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage. Mat 3: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. | Mat 1: The Good Shepherd, The Resurrection, The Visitation, the crucifix for the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, Jesus with the children, the image of the Prodigal Son, the Eucharist. Mat 2: Pope Francis and our guardian angels who walk with us, our Baptism, Moses (Aaron's rod), Light that is stronger than darkness (candle & Prophecy of Light), the Eucharist because Jesus is with us, . Mat 3: The tax collector who sees his sin and is forgiven, the Eucharist as the table prepared, the chalice which overflows with graces, the oil lamp He fills, the wise bridesmaids who are examples of being ready for the banquet, the gestures of epiclesis and offering where we receive and respond to the greatest gift of Jesus in the Eucharist, the image of Jesus bringing the faithful dead into Heaven. |